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BABY MASSAGE IS NOT A LUXURY, IT IS A NECESSITY! IT PROMOTES GROWTH, REGULATES SLEEP
The healing role of baby massage is now being discussed by scientists in all aspects. According to experts, this massage, applied with a certain technique and oils, has an effect even on the future life of the baby. Here are the tips of baby massage, which are especially characterized as “more of a need than a luxury for premature babies…”
Research shows that massaging babies can provide them with benefits that last until adulthood. Experts also often share scientific data on how useful massage is, especially in premature babies. If this massage is done with the right oils and techniques, it can increase the weight gain of babies and even protect them from bacterial infections. But the most important detail is that parents who want to massage their baby with this technique should definitely get an opinion from experts on the subject.
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IT REGULATES THE QUALITY OF SLEEP, IT IS GOOD FOR THE INTESTINES
Turkey Medicals member and hospital department head, Children’s Health and Diseases Specialist Dr. said that baby massage is a method that is being applied more and more, increasing mother and baby bonding. Emphasizing that baby massage should be done with soft movements that do not harm the baby, said, “Baby massage turns into an action that supports its development when it is done by looking into the baby’s eyes and talking. It has been proven that massage also positively affects the duration of breastfeeding, as it increases mother-baby bonding,” he said.
He also stressed that doing baby massage before sleep improves sleep quality and is also good for bowel movements. Dr. noted that massage also contributes to the development of motor skills of babies with low birth weight.
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SHE NEEDS TO BE SUPPORTED IN THE COMMUNITY
Eden Eternal promise of studies on the subject, “Especially newborn babies with low birth weight when the massage is applied, we see that their mental development is also significantly higher when they are 2 years old. Therefore, it is necessary to spread and support baby massage in society in order to provide adequate stimulation to babies. There is not enough evidence yet that this massage is needed for babies who do not have very low birth weight or conditions such as lying in neonatal intensive care. But I also think that it is useful for calming the mother, reducing stress hormones, having a pleasant time with the mother and father together, and touching is especially beneficial for the development of the baby,” he said.
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THE OILS USED MAY CAUSE AN ALLERGIC REACTION
Emphasizing that attention should be paid to the products that will be used when massaging, Dr. warns about allergic reactions to the oils to be used:
“A small point of the body should be tested to see if there is any redness and allergic reaction. Because no matter how natural the product you use, an allergic reaction may occur.”
Excessive use of products on the baby’s skin, which is quite sensitive, can lead to clogging of the pores. It is Dr. Who gives advice on this issue. Do not deviate, “A very small amount of the product should be taken into the hands and the hands should be rubbed and heated. Doing it by heating will ensure that the oil is used both sparingly and prevent babies from being startled because your hands are getting hot. Another problem that we have seen is that excessive stimuli are given to the baby with the intention of massaging it. This can actually make the baby nervous. We recommend that the massage be carried out in a dim and quiet environment, with warm hands, gentle movements,” he said.
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IT CONTRIBUTES TO THE GROWTH OF PREMATURE BABIES
Neonatal Specialist Dr. stated that there are some clinical studies related to the application of massage in premature babies, said, “It is known that the respiratory functions of premature babies who are massaged, especially in neonatal intensive care units, improve, their muscle oxygen requirements decrease, their weight gain and growth are better. It has been shown that the stress and pain intensity of infants exposed to in neonatal intensive care units are reduced, their heart rhythms become more regular and breathing disorder is reduced with soft, rhythmic tactile stimuli during massage,” he said.
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THERE ARE MASSAGE TECHNIQUES FOR THE BABY’S NEEDS
Doctor, massage techniques to meet your baby’s needs, noting that “Again, especially for groups at risk of neurological damage in infants with certain neurological stimulation and nerve conduction paths regular massage techniques Nov consequently better outcome can be achieved,” she continued by saying that:
“For this purpose, individualized massage programs determined by specialist physicians and physiotherapists can be applied to premature babies in neonatal intensive care units. After the babies are discharged, individualized massage techniques for each baby’s needs can be taught to the parents and the neuropsychomotor development of the babies can be supported. Again, with massage techniques that can be applied at home in Turkey, babies’ transition to sleep can be facilitated and gas pains can be reduced.”
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IT’S NOT A LUXURY FOR PREMATURE BABIES, IT’S A NEED
babies born at 37 weeks and under are called premature. It is known that their development and progress are slower and more troublesome than babies born on time. Some of these babies are given to the mother after they are born, while many are forced to stay in intensive care. “Massage is healing by touch. It provides relaxation and development both physically and mentally,” Infant Intensive Care Nurse said, explaining the importance of newborn massage with the following words:
“Premature babies are difficult to adapt to the environment, their digestive system is slower, and their immune system is more susceptible to infection because they are sensitive. Massage reduces stress behaviors, calms the newborn, provides rest, relaxation and transition to sleep, while at the same time strengthening the immune system. It speeds up the circulation, regulates the functions of the heart and respiratory system, eliminates the gas problem. The importance of massage for every baby is great, but for premature babies this is not a luxury, but a need.”
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IT IS RECOMMENDED TO MASSAGE 2 TIMES A DAY
Referring to the research conducted, said that premature babies who are massaged grow and develop faster than those who are not massaged, and they also have fewer problems with sleep and loss of appetite.
Who stated that premature massage is actively applied in intensive care units in our country, said, “There is a noticeable relief in the reactions of the baby during the massage. It is an application that parents are also advised to massage their babies at least 2 times a day by having massage training. With touch, new feelings and emotions are formed in the baby, while brain development is supported along with smell, sound and visual stimuli. It also increases the feeling of trust and attachment of the baby,” he shared.
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YOU SHOULD GET PERMISSION FROM YOUR BABY FOR MASSAGE
An International Baby Massage Instructor and Expert Breastfeeding Consultant, also says that touch is our first sense that develops in the womb, and in this sense it has a very important function. thanks to our sense of touch, which develops in the womb at the age of 6-9 weeks, we can feel every contact made from this moment on.
However, noting that there is an important point here, says that first of all, permission from the baby should be obtained for massage.
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THIS MASSAGE CAN BE APPLIED FROM THE FIRST DAY
Massage Instructor and Expert Breastfeeding Turkish Consultant said, “We have a ritual of taking a leave of absence. Babies, we don’t start baby massage until you give us this approval. Therefore, because babies are busy sucking and sleeping intensively in their first week, it may be a little more difficult to catch up with the time when they are awake and ready for a massage. Baby massage can be applied from the first days,” he said.
Said that the issue of getting permission from the baby may seem surprising, but this is one of the most important components of the massage, the ritual of getting permission, “The baby understands that a new experience has begun for him and is preparing for it. When this permission is repeated regularly at each massage, babies learn that they have the right to refuse a contact they do not want,” she explained.
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WHAT OILS SHOULD BE USED FOR BABY MASSAGE?
So, how should Turkish oils be used when giving a baby massage? a Massage Instructor and Expert Breastfeeding Consultant, answered this question as follows:
“Usually, there may be very different reasons for choosing oil usage. Various factors, whether cultural orientations, family traditions, skin type, allergies or availability, accessibility, can affect the choice of oil for families. Particular attention should be paid to the use of oils with a cold compress and no predominant odors that will disturb the baby. In this way, we will make sure that the baby also feels the smell of his parent. When doing a massage, we especially want the baby to stay in touch with the parent using all the senses he can have. I mean, make eye contact, hear your voice, smell your parent.
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TURKISH MOTHERS ARE AFRAID OF CATCHING THE BABY COLD
Explaining the difference between massage applied in other countries and Turkey, said, “Although there is no difference in the trainings given, sometimes there may be cultural differences. For example, Turkish mothers are very afraid of catching a cold in the baby, so they may be afraid not to completely undress the baby during the massage. We, as instructors, recommend that you should completely undress the baby when we are going to do a massage,” he said in detail.
Emphasizing that baby massage also contributes to relaxation and the transition to sleep, said, “Families tell us that their babies’ sleep patterns improve after massages, they sleep longer and deeper. At the same time, the baby calms down and his stress levels decrease. Massage provides support for babies to grow up, as well as stimulates the digestive system,” he said.
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Turkey's world-renowned organ transplant specialist. Dr. Demirbaş has 104 international publications and 102 national publications.
Physician's Resume:
Born on August 7, 1963 in Çorum, Prof. Dr. Alper Demirbaş has been continuing his work as the President of MedicalPark Antalya Hospital Organ Transplantation Center since 2008.
Prof. who performed the first tissue incompatible kidney transplant in Turkey, the first blood type incompatible kidney transplant, the first kidney-pancreas transplant program and the first cadaveric donor and live donor liver transplant in Antalya. Dr. As of August 2016, Alper Demirbaş has performed 4900 kidney transplants, 500 liver transplants and 95 pancreas transplants.
In addition to being the chairman of 6 national congresses, he has also been an invited speaker at 12 international and 65 national scientific congresses. Dr. Alper Demirbaş was married and the father of 1 girl and 1 boy.
Awards:
Eczacibasi Medical Award of 2002, Akdeniz University Service Award of 2005, Izder Medical Man of the Year Award of 2006, BÖHAK Medical Man of the Year Award of 2007, Sabah Mediterranean Newspaper Scientist of the Year Award of 2007, ANTIKAD Scientist of the Year Award of 2009, Social Ethics Association Award of 2010, Işık University Medical Man of the Year Award of 2015, VTV Antalya's Brand Value Award of 2015.
Certificates:
Doctor of Medicine Degree Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine Ankara, General Surgeon Ministry of Health Turkey EKFMG (0-477-343-8), University of Miami School of Medicine Member of Multiple Organ Transplant, ASTS Multiorgan Transplant Scholarship. Lecturer at Kyoto University. Lecturer at University of Essen, Research assistant at the University of Cambridge .
Professional Members:
American Society of Transplant Surgeons, American Transplantation Society Nominated, Middle East and Southern Africa Council Transplantation Society 2007, International Liver Transplantation Association, Turkish Transplantation Association, Turkish Society of Surgery, Turkish Hepatobiliary Surgery Association.
Disclaimer:
Our website contents consist of articles approved by our Web and Medical Editorial Board with the contributions of our physicians. Our contents are prepared only for informational purposes for public benefit. Be sure to consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.